Tertullian · a new plain-English translation from the original language
Now the rule of faith is this — so that from this point on I may declare what it is we are defending — the rule, that is, by which we believe: that there is one God only, and none other besides the maker of the world, who brought forth the universe out of nothing through his own Word, sent forth before all things. This Word, called his Son, was seen under the name of God in various forms by the patriarchs, was always heard in the prophets, and at last, carried down by God the Father's power and Spirit acting together, descended into the Virgin Mary, took on flesh within her womb, and, once born of her, went forth to live his life as Jesus Christ. From that point he preached a new law and a new promise of the kingdom of heaven, worked miracles, was fixed to a cross, rose again on the third day, was caught up into the heavens and sat down at the right hand of the Father; he sent, in his place, the power of the Holy Spirit to guide those who believe; he shall return in splendor to gather up his saints into the joy of everlasting life and the heavenly things promised them, while sentencing the wicked to fire without end, once each side has had its flesh raised up and restored. This rule, established by Christ, admits, as will be shown, no questions among us except those which heresies bring in, and which are what make men heretics.